Godfrey C.

Ruiz
Business Culture in South Korea
Source: South Korea Communication Styles. (n.d.). Retrieved from
https://www.worldbusinessculture.com/country-profiles/south-korea/culture/business-
communication-style/

South Korea Communication Styles

There is a contradiction at the heart of Korean communication patterns which is that,

like the Japanese, Koreans want to preserve harmony and promote good relations but
at the same time they have a tendency to become emotional if they feel that things are
not going their way.

This combination of the non-confrontational and the emotional probably stems from the
historical sufferings of the nation and is best categorised under the concept of hahn.
Hahn describes the feelings of unreleased frustrations developed during periods of
extreme hardship in the past and which is still felt in certain elements of society today. If
a Korean expresses obvious disquiet in a meeting it is fairly good sign that the meeting
is not going well.

Generally speaking, Koreans regard saying ‘no’ as poor etiquette and something to be
avoided at all costs. It can, therefore, be difficult to get at the truth of their intentions.
Unhappiness and disagreement will usually be voiced very vaguely through the use of
such phrases as ‘we will try’ or ‘that might be difficult but we will explore the idea’. Nor
does ‘yes’ necessarily mean ‘yes’. It might simply mean ‘I have heard you’ or ‘I
recognise that you have made a point’. Due to this vagueness of meaning it is very
often necessary to go over the same point many times trying to elicit more meaning as
time progresses. This obviously has the effect of making meetings longer and can be
somewhat frustrating. It is important to maintain patience and politeness at all times.

Remember that communication is seen as a means of developing good relationships.

Therefore, the way in which you deliver the message could in fact be more important
than the message itself.
It is important to maintain good body posture during meetings. Slouching or overly
expressive body gestures could be disconcerting.

South Korea Meetings

First meetings can often be completely dominated by the need to start the relationship-
building process.

Therefore, very little might be discussed which relates to the actual business in hand
with most time being spent exchanging pleasantries, discussing travel and other such-
seeming trivia. It is important not to show impatience or irritation at this stage. Rather
view the meeting for what it is – the essential first steps in creating a, hopefully,
rewarding and long-term business relationship.

It is important in these early stages to be viewed as a man of honour and this can be
achieved by avoiding impatience and confrontation as well as by showing the right
amount of respect to those people to whom respect is due – older more senior contacts.
Try, therefore, to do some research on the people you will be meeting – who are the
most important contacts?

The relevance of your delegation could also be judged by who you take with you. Their
senior people would not be expected to have to deal with younger, more junior contacts
from another organisation. Ensure a compatibility of levels within meetings. It is also
important to be able to answer fully any technical questions thrown at you, so ensure
that your delegation has the requisite level of expertise at its disposal in order to avoid
seeming ill-prepared or amateurish.

Punctuality is important, as is dress and body language.

Communication Practices in Korea

Source: Myung‐seok Park & Moon‐soo Kim (1992) Communication practices in
Korea, CommunicationQuarterly,40:4, 398-404, DOI: 10.1080/01463379209369857

“The communication practices of Koreans are explored which are divergent from those
employed elsewhere in the world. Distinction in social behavior impinging on
communication include Confucianistic ethics, filial piety, age, gender, and hierarchical
structure. Verbal and nonverbal differences relate to maintaining harmony in
interpersonal relationships. “

Communication
Source: South Korean Culture. (n.d.). Retrieved from
https://culturalatlas.sbs.com.au/south-koreanculture/south-korean-culture-
communication
Verbal
 Indirect Communication: The South Korean communication pattern is generally
indirect and quite verbose. They tend to rely less on words and are attentive to a
speaker’s posture, expression and tone of voice to draw meaning. Speech can
be ambiguous as they often understate their point. The purpose of this is to
maintain harmony throughout the conversation and prevent a loss of face on
either end of the exchange. The best way of navigating this rhetoric to find the
underlying meaning is to check for clarification several times through open-ended
questions.
 Refusals: A South Korean’s preoccupation with
saving face and politeness means that they will seldom give a flat ‘no’ or negative
response, even when they don’t agree with you. Therefore, focus on hints of
hesitation, listening to what they say, but also paying careful attention to what
they subtly imply.
  Speech Style: While they may be indirect in their communication style, South
Koreans generally speak quite firmly and use less gestures and facial
expressions. This can make them come across as stern. Expect them to give
serious replies and retorts. They also tend to ask questions in order to discern
their status in comparison to the person they are talking to. These can catch
people off guard (for example: “How much do you earn?” or “How old are you?”).
 Silence: Silence is an important and purposeful tool used in Asian
communication. Pausing before giving a response indicates that someone has
applied appropriate thought and consideration to the question. It
reflects politeness and respect.
 Laughter: Laughter is sometimes used in awkward situations. A Korean may
laugh when they feel uncomfortable and not necessarily because what was said
was genuinely funny.

Non-Verbal
 Smiling: As well as an expression of glee and humour, smiling can indicate that
one is feeling ashamed or embarrassed in Korean culture. For example, a
Korean may smile when they make a mistake.
 Physical Contact: Koreans are generally not very physically affectionate with one
another. However, male friends may touch one another more than Western man,
and girls may walk hand-in-hand.
 Personal Space: Personal space is not guarded very closely in Korea. People
generally expect to come into contact with strangers on busy streets and tend not
to worry or apologise when personal space is invaded.
 Pointing: People do not point with their index finger but rather with their entire
hand.
 Beckoning: One beckons by fluttering all fingers to one’s hand with the palm
facing towards the ground.
 Eye Contact: During a discussion or friendly conversation, make full eye contact
with the person you are talking to. Avoid direct eye contact if you are
scolded/rebuked by someone older or of a higher status than you. Some Koreans
may also avoid eye contact with their superiors on a regular basis.
 Hands: Use two hands or your right hand alone to offer or receive something.
 Gestures: It is considered rude to make a fist with your hand while placing the
thumb between the middle and index finger.
 Expressions: Koreans tend to some across as quite straight-faced in
conversation. However, their facial expressions can immediately expose when
they are angry or in disagreement.
 Sneezing: Sneezing is considered rude in Korea. It is best practise to excuse
yourself from the room if you have to.
Anagen Eve V. Lauron
Etiquette & Faux Pas in South Korea: What Not to Do
Source: World Nomads. (2018). Etiquette & Faux Pas in South Korea: What Not to Do.
Retrieved from
https://www.worldnomads.com/explore/eastern-asia/south-korea/etiquette-tips-and-
things-to-avoid-on-your-trip-to-south-korea#shaking
1. Cover Up, Ladies!
While short-shorts and skirts are commonplace for women in Korea’s major cities,
exposed shoulders and low-cut tops are considered taboo elsewhere.
Summers get hot in South Korea, so loose-fitting t-shirts are a good alternative to tank
tops. And if you really can’t cover up that cleavage, be prepared for some not so
pleasant looks – especially from older Korean women.
2. Accept and Present Things with Both Hands
Use both hands when accepting change or passing something at a dinner table. If you
feel ridiculous handing a cashier a bill with both hands, try this: Place your left hand on
the inside of your right wrist as you extend your arm with the payment.
Also, try to always accept and present things with your right hand. Sorry, lefties!
3. Learn How to Properly Shake Hands
When shaking hands, use both hands – or at least place your left hand on your right
wrist for support. A slight bow of the head is also a polite gesture.
4. Keep Your Hands to Yourself (at least at first!)
While it’s not uncommon to have a few elbows thrown your direction on a crowded
street, Koreans aren’t big on touching someone they don’t know. This means hugs and
shoulder pats aren’t welcomed between strangers.
Once you’re in the friend zone though, something as intimate as walking down the
street while holding hands is totally acceptable.
5. Age is Important
Be prepared for complete strangers to ask your age upon meeting. I was completely
surprised (and a little bit offended) by this question when I first moved to Korea. While
this may be considered a rude question in your home country, it’s totally normal in
Korean culture as it establishes seniority in a relationship.
Oh, and in Korea, you’re one year older than you think you are because everyone is
born “one year old”.
6. Remove Your Shoes
Don’t you dare walk inside with shoes on (unless you want to be viewed as a
disrespectful savage!). Make sure to remove your shoes before entering Korean
households, temples and even schools.
Often times, slippers are provided so you don’t need to be barefoot.
7. Don’t Put Your Feet up on Furniture
And while we’re on the topic of feet, refrain from resting your tired tootsies on the chair
across from you, no matter how tempting that may be.
We’ve learned the hard way! The bottoms of one’s feet are seen as “dirty”, so propping
them up on furniture is a big no-no.  
8. Wait to Take Your First Bite
Typically, in dining situations, the most elder person will take the first bite. This signifies
that everyone else can start eating.
9. Don’t Pour Your Own Drinks
It’s generally considered impolite to pour your own drink. If you’re eating with others, let
them pour your glass, and return the favor.
10. Be Careful with Your Chopsticks
After you’ve finished eating, be careful not to place your chopsticks upright in your bowl.
This is said to look like incense at a funeral.
Instead, lay them over the mouth of the bowl so they balance across.
11. Wait to Blow Your Nose
Yes, I know that gochujang (red chili paste) is spicy; but go against your instincts and
refrain from grabbing a tissue. Blowing your nose in public is considered, especially
while eating, rude.
If that drip just won’t quit, politely excuse yourself and take care of business in the
restroom.
12. Watch Out for the Number Four
The number four is unlucky in Korea because it sounds similar to the word for “death”.
You may notice many buildings don’t have a fourth floor, or it will be labelled “F”.
It’s also considered unlucky to give gifts in fours.
13. Don’t Write in Red Ink
Never ever write someone’s name in red ink. Again, I learned the hard way!
I was yelled at by a room full of students when I started writing one of their names on
the whiteboard using a red marker. This is a bad omen, as dead people’s names are
written in red.
14. Be Careful With Your Hand Gestures
When gesturing for someone to come over to you or when hailing a cab, be sure your
palm is facing down and you move all your fingers in one sweeping motion.
Making this gesture palm-up, as is common in many countries, is insulting in Korea
because it’s how they call their dogs. Don’t make that mistake!
15. Don’t Throw Toilet Paper in the Toilet
Bathroom talk time: Yeah, we’re going there! In Korean bathrooms, you’ll see a bin for
toilet paper. Toss your toilet paper in this instead of the toilet.
This goes for feminine products too, ladies. The plumbing systems can’t handle the
waste, so save yourself the embarrassment and do as the Koreans do.
16. Respect Noraebang Etiquette
Noraebangs (karaoke rooms) are super popular in Korea. They make for a great night
out with friends or co-workers, as long as you follow a few basic (and common sense)
rules.
You may be excited when you see the song list, but resist the urge to plug in the
numbers for every Spice Girl song in the book. Select one, and let others have a turn
before you choose another.
And on that note, don't hog the microphone – everyone is there to have a good time
(and not just listen to you belt out the lyrics to your favorite tunes), so share the time in
the spotlight.
Lastly, avoid songs that aren't upbeat. While ballads might be fun to sing in the shower,
they’re not as entertaining in a noraebang. Trust us.
Ira Fry Abella

SOCIAL CUSTOMS & ETIQUETTE TIPS FOR SOUTH KOREA

Source: South Korea - Language, Culture, Customs and Etiquette. (n.d.). Retrieved
from https://www.commisceo-global.com/resources/country-guides/south-korea-guide
The Concept of Kibun

 Kibun is a word with no literal English translation; the closest terms are pride,
face, mood, feelings, or state of mind.
 If you hurt someone's kibun you hurt their pride, cause them to lose dignity, and
lose face. Korean interpersonal relationships operate on the principle of
harmony.
 It is important to maintain a peaceful, comfortable atmosphere at all times, even if
it means telling a "white lie".
 It is important to know how to judge the state of someone else's kibun, how to
avoid hurting it, and how to keep your own kibun at the same time.
  In business, a manager's kibun is damaged if his subordinates do not show
proper respect. A subordinate's kibun is damaged if his manager criticizes him in
public.
 Nunchi is the ability to determine another person's kibun by using the eye.
 Since this is a culture where social harmony is crucial, being able to judge
another person's state of mind is critical to maintain the person's kibun. Nunchi is
accomplished by watching body language and listening to the tone of voice as
well as what is said.

Naming Conventions
 In South Korea names operate in the reverse of Western cultures; Family name
(surname), a second family name shared by all of that generation, and finally
their given name.
 It is considered very impolite to address a Korean with his or her given name.
They should be addressed using their professional titles, or Mr, Mrs Etc, until
permission is given otherwise.

Meeting & Greeting
 Bowing is the traditional way to greet in South Korea
 Handshakes often accompany the bow among men
 Your left hand should support your right forearm when shaking hands
 Korean women do not always shake hands and may slightly nod instead of a full
bow
 Always bow to individuals when departing

Communication style
 Communication can be complicated in South Korea due to an inherent dislike of
saying ‘no’ as it is considered poor etiquette
 Discussions can be prolonged due to the avoidance of declining or refusing
 If disquiet is verbally or visibly displayed it is a sure sign that something is amiss
 Good posture and positive body language is most beneficial in meetings;
patience and politeness must be maintained throughoutDo not use excessive or
overt body language
 Use two hands, or support your right arm with your left, when passing on
business cards, gifts, or when receiving an item
 Respect, trust and satisfaction are displayed through a deeper bow

Personal Space
 It is insulting for Koreans to be touched by someone with whom they are
unfamiliar; don’t pat them on the back or hug them
 Prolonged, direct eye contact can be inferred as a challenge and is seen as
impolite, especially when dealing with others of a higher social standing
 Keep your body within its own personal space; avoid extended or crossed legs
and limit arm movements when explaining something so as to evade others’
personal space
  If calling someone over to you do not point with your index finger, instead use
your hand palm down in a claw movement
 In cities (especially Seoul) pushing, shoving and touching are regular
occurrences – don’t be offended by the lack of apologies
 Friends, of both sexes, will often walk arm in arm together, especially teenagers
and the younger generations

Gift Giving Etiquette
 Koreans are generous people and enjoy giving gifts
 Accept the gift with both hands – but never open the gift immediately, wait until
the giver is absent
 Return the favour and offer something of a similar value. Koreans enjoy Western
gifts and items so be prepared before leaving home
 If giving gifts be sure to wrap and present them in an attractive way. Avoid using
dark wrapping paper, especially red, instead choose bright yellow/green
 If invited to a Korean home always take the hostess a gift; chocolates, sweets,
cakes or flowers but preferably not alcohol
 Gifts are often given at the first business meeting and the host should present his
first. To reciprocate, give good quality alcohol such as scotch, or desk
accessories
 Do not give overly expensive gifts as Koreans feel indebted to give as they
receive
 Avoid gifts such as knives, scissors, sets of four, and red writing (these are seen
as ‘cutting ties’ and signifying death respectively)

Dining & Food
 Always wait to be seated by your host. If given the seat of honour (looking at the
front door) it is polite to demonstrate a slight objection
 Elders are served first and begin the dining process
 Food and dining are important parts of Korean culture and are used to build
relationships. Be sociable and work at shaping good associations for pleasure
and business as they are interlinked
 Don’t pour your own drink, although it is considered good manners to pour
another’s. Women often pour for men but not for other women. Rather than
refuse more drink (remember, Koreans don’t like outright refusal) simply leave
your glass part full, as opposed to empty
 Do not tip if you see a ‘no tipping’ sign
 There are often prolonged periods of silence during Korean meals – socialising
can happen once everyone has feasted
 Don’t forget to pass and receive food with two hands or with just your right if it is
supported by your left
 When it comes to settling the bill, the invitee may offer to pay but the host will
generally pay for everyone.
 If you are invited to continue after dinner with drinks or a party, don’t refuse this
invitation.
  On occasion you may be asked to sing a solo after dinner. Try not to refuse this
request, instead sing with enthusiasm and spirit
 Do not point with your chopsticks, or leave them sticking out of your bowl
 The national drink of Korea is ‘Soju’, a clear vodka-like drink that is generally 18-
25% alcohol

Visiting a home
 Always remove your shoes before entering a Korean home (in recent years there
has been an increase in Western culture and this may not always be the case -
follow the lead of your host if unsure)
 It is possible to arrive up to thirty minutes late without causing offence but
punctuality is highly respected
 Remember, never pour your own drink. The host will do this in your presence
 Being invited into a Korean’s home is considered an honour (especially if it is for
a meal) so it is essential to treat it as such. Be polite, respectful and observe their
customs
 Bring a gift to reciprocate your host’s kindness
 Once the party is over you will usually be escorted to your car or the gate by the
host. This is a sign of respect
 Taboos in South Korean Culture
 Do not wear your shoes in places of worship or peoples’ homes
 Do not put your feet on furniture
 Do not eat or drink in public places while walking
 Do not place your thumb between your middle and index finger while making a
fist as this an obscene gesture
 Do not use red ink. This is a symbol of death and is reserved only for writing the
names of the deceased. It is considered unlucky and suggests you wish death to
the recipient
 Do not use the number four if at all possible – if giving gifts, do not give four of
something. It is considered unlucky due to the similarity between the Korean
word for death and the pronunciation of the word ‘four’
 Do not stand too close to people you are meeting for the first time – keep an
arms length between you

BUSINESS CULTURE, ETIQUETTE AND PROTOCOL IN SOUTH KOREA

 If you are considering doing business in South Korea, or with a South Korean, it
is essential to understand their culture and business etiquette to maximise your
potential and avoid any unnecessary awkwardness.
 Korean culture is profoundly influenced by Confucian principles and this
pervades not only personal lives, but also business. Confucianism supports
group harmony, respect for elders and authority, the importance of family,
friendship and ancestors, and also, tradition. Kibun (equivalent to face, or
honour) is highly significant to Koreans and they will always attempt to maintain
 their Kibun, or personal dignity. Confrontation is to be avoided at all cost as once
Kibun is lost it cannot be regained.
 In South Korea, good relationships are crucial to success both in personal and
business circles, and these are assimilated within the business world. Korean’s
make friends first, and clients second. To make the most of your business
acumen you must also appear trustworthy, honourable and respectable in a
social and business setting.
 Korean business is founded upon relationships; even large corporations are often
family managed with members still acting in executive positions. The Confucian
principles regarding respect for age, family, rank and tradition have ensured the
continuance of this system. There have been recent calls for reforms, due to
economic downturns, in Korea but this will take time due to the entrenched
systems in place.
 Alongside the formal power structures in place within a company one must learn
to recognise, and assess, the informal structures which may be based on long-
standing family ties, personal relationships and allegiances.  Insight into these
practises will ensure a greater comprehension of Korean business etiquette.

Meetings
 Organise your meeting ahead of time, giving plenty of notice
 Arrive punctually and be prepared
 The most senior Korean will enter and be seated first
 As Koreans live and conduct business within a Confucian framework, initial
meetings are often used in an introductory fashion and business may be
instigated later
 Do not show impatience at this stage as these pleasantries are a way of getting
to know you
 Only remove your jacket once the senior Korean does
 Choose delegates who are on par with their Korean counterparts – this shows
respect and knowledge
 Exchange business cards in a respectful manner after the initial introductions
 Ask open ended questions that do not require a yes or no answer as Koreans
dislike refusals

Negotiating
 Allow the senior Korean to instigate business discussions
 Phrase questions in a manner that allows for discussion (Ask ‘When can we
expect delivery?’ And not, ‘Will delivery be within two weeks?’)
 Avoid using an outright ‘No’ in response to questions
 Be aware of others’ Kibun – do not force an issue if you sense reluctance as you
may harm you own dignity and lose their respect
 Always show respect for senior colleagues and management
 There are often times of silence during meetings, try not to break these as they
are moments of contemplation and show consideration for others
 Avoid a hard sell and forceful negotiations – remember Kibun
Management
 Korean business and personal lives are based upon strict hierarchical structures
 Confucianism supports this structure within the family and workplace
 Older and senior delegates should be deferred to at all times
 'Sonsaengnim' means "respected person" and is frequently used when
addressing someone of a higher position
 In South Korea managers take a paternalistic role with employees and may be
familiar with staff in a personal manner
 This allows for a mutual respect and understanding so don’t be put off if asked
questions of a personal nature

Shanaia Gail G. Aquino and Christian Jay Crisologo

15 Korean Phrases You Need to Know

Source: Ladner, M. (2018). 15 Korean Phrases You Need to Know. Retrieved from
https://theculturetrip.com/asia/south-korea/articles/15-korean-phrases-you-need-to-
know/

안녕하세요 – An-nyeong-ha-se-yo. – Hello.

Although straightforward, this expression is a necessary inclusion and is without doubt

the most common phrase anyone in Korea will use. There are dozens of variations to
account for slightly different situations and levels of respect, which can get fairly
complicated for the non-Korean speaker. The trick is to say it quickly and slur the
syllables together. Do this and everyone will understand you.
반갑습니다 – Ban-gap-sum-ni-da. – Nice to meet you.

Just like its English equivalent, this expression should be used whenever you find
yourself suddenly introduced to a new face. In formal settings, this expression is usually
accompanied by a bow and a handshake to show respect.

감사합니다 – Kam-sa-ham-ni-da. – Thank you.

This is probably the most important expression to learn during your Korean travels. Use
it exactly as you would its English equivalent. Don’t understand what the smiling
halmeoni (grandmother) sitting next to you on the subway is saying? It’s probably a
compliment; smile and say thank you.

밥 먹었어요? – Bap meo-geo-seo-yo? – How are you?

Literally meaning, “Did you eat rice?” this phrase is used to show your concern for
someone’s well-being. In Korea, food – in particular, rice – is central to the culture and
was not always so easy to come by. While Korea has an abundance of food now, the
phrase still remains as a greeting to show concern for others. If someone asks you this,
simply reply “Nae, meo-geo-seo-yo” (Yes, I ate), which is the expected response, even
if you haven’t actually eaten anything.

잠시만요 – Jam-shi-man-yo. – Excuse me./Just a moment.

Literally, “little time stop”, use this to get the attention of others, ask them to move out of
the way or tell them to wait. If you’re trying to get off an elevator, for example, but no-
one’s moving. Use this phrase to politely maneuver your way through the crowd.

최성합니다/미안합니다 – Chway-seong-ham-ni-da./Mi-an-ham-ni-da. – I’m sorry.

There are two ways to be apologetic in Korean. The first is an “I’m sorry I bumped into
you” sort of apology, while the latter is more of a “I’m really sorry I forgot about your
birthday, please forgive me”, kind of apology.

주세요 – … ju-se-yo – Please (Please give me…)

Slap this word on the end of just about any verb stem to make a polite request. Got a
sudden food craving? Bibimbap, ju-se-yo! Thirsty? Kaw-pi (coffee), ju-se-yo! In need of
some loving? Bbo bbo (kiss), ju-se-yo!

어디예요 – Eo-di-ye-yo…? – Where is the…?

Unless you’re a hermit, chances are you will definitely use this phrase at some point, at
the very least to find the hwajangsil (bathroom). You can also use it to locate an item at
the supermarket, find the nearest subway station, or to track down a good noraebang
(karaoke room).
얼마예요 – Eol-ma-ye-yo? – How much is it?

A must-know for any shopping trip, this phrase is pretty much all you need, since most
vendors have calculators on hand to help out with the numbers. Browsing a traditional
market and want to bargain a bit? Use the phrase bi-ssa-yo (It’s expensive) to see if you
can’t get the salesperson to go down a few hundred won.

많이 드세요 – Man-hee deu-se-yo – Have a great meal.

Similar to “Bon appetite”, this expression literally translates to “Eat a lot”. Following the
Korean War, food shortages were widespread across the country. Therefore, this was a
polite thing to say while serving food to others.

잘 먹겠습니다 – Jal meok-ge-sseum-ni-da – I will eat well.

If dining at a Korean’s home, or being treated to a meal by a Korean, use this phrase
before eating to show appreciation to your host. It’s similar to saying “Thanks for your
efforts. I’m going to have a great meal because of you”.

잘 먹었습니다 – Jal meo-geo-sseum-ni-da – The meal was good.

If you haven’t noticed by now, table manners (not to mention food in general) are pretty
important in South Korea. Just as you said the previous phrase before the meal, use
this one following the meal to once again thank your host for the food.

사랑해 – Sa-rang-hae – I love you.

This is the informal way of saying, “I love you” and is used between people that are
close, such as lovers, making it one of the most commonly used expressions in Korean
dramas. If someone says “I love you” in Korean, then you can reply with “Na-do sa-
rang-hae”, which means “I love you, too”. To make it into a question (Do you love me?),
simply say it with a rising intonation (Sa-rang-hae?).

가세요 – Ga-se-yo – Go in peace.

When you directly translate this expression – “Please go” – it may sound a bit harsh.
But it is actually very polite and means that you wish the other person a safe journey
wherever he or she is going. You can use this even if don’t know the destination of the
person you are saying it to.

화이팅 – Hwa-it-ting – You can do it!

While the word comes from the English term “fighting”, it’s more of a cheer that Koreans
use to show encouragement and enthusiasm. It can also be used in sports, to cheer up
someone who is having a difficult time, or to wish a friend good luck on a blind date.
10 Fascinating Korean Words That Have No English Translation
Source: Ladner, M. (2017). 10 Fascinating Korean Words That Have No English
Translation. Retrieved from https://theculturetrip.com/asia/south-korea/articles/10-
fascinating-korean-words-that-have-no-english-translation/

눈치 – Noon-chi

Meaning: This term is used to describe the art of being in tune to someone else’s
feelings, thoughts and emotions to properly gauge and react to a situation. Someone
with good noon-chi can read others’ body language or tone of voice to understand their
real feelings. Comparatively, someone with bad noon-chi is said to lack tact or
observational skills.

한 – Han

Meaning: A notion that is often considered to be unique to Korea, han is the collective

feeling of sadness and oppression. It is a cultural concept that can be ascribed to the
nation’s extensive history of attacks and invasions from other countries. Often difficult to
translate, the Los Angeles Times describes han to be “as amorphous a notion as love or
hate: intensely personal, yet carried around collectively, a national torch, a badge of
suffering tempered by a sense of resiliency.”

정 – Jeong

Meaning: While han describes Koreans’ special form of suffering and

victimhood, jeong is the country’s putatively real and unique form of social relational
bonding. Sometimes translated as “harmony” or “coexistence,” its definition is far more
complex. So much so that Koreans often have difficulty defining the word. Put
simply, jeong refers to the emotional and psychological bonds that join the collective
society of Korea; it pervades all levels, dissecting the world into various degrees of woo-
ri(us) versus them.

답정너 – Dab-jeong-neo

Meaning: This recently created Korean word is defined as a situation in which someone

asks a question but has already decided the answer they want to hear. For example, a
man may find himself in a dab-jeong-neo when his girlfriend asks, “Does my butt look
big in these jeans?”

효 – Hyo

Meaning: Associated with Korean cultural notions of filial piety, hyo denotes the strict

sense of duty and responsibility children must pay their parents at all times, even if it
means making enormous sacrifices on the part of the children.
엄친아 – Eom-chin-a

Meaning: Korean mothers are known to be competitive and often compare their

children to the offspring of their friends. Literally meaning “Mom’s friend’s son,” eom-
chin-a is used to describe a person who is more successful or skilled than you – the
type of person your mom would negatively compare you to to encourage you to work
harder. “Mina’s son got straight A’s on his exams. Why can’t you?!”

답답해 – Dab-dab-hae

Meaning: Although dab-dab-hae has a number of different meanings, including “stuffy”

or “stifling,” it’s often used more figuratively to describe the physical sensation of
suffocation caused by frustration or the inability to speak or act freely. For example,
someone stuck in sseom-ta-da (see below) might experience dab-dab-hae.
Unsurprisingly, it’s a term frequently used in both K-dramas and K-pop songs.

썸타다 – Sseom-ta-da

Meaning: You know that ambiguous stage of dating, where you’ve been seeing each
other casually but haven’t yet defined the relationship? Being in this kind of situation is
what Koreans refer to as sseom-ta-da. It means that sseom (taken from the English
word “something”) is going on and it likely to ta-da or “go along” until it develops into
something more serious.

띠동갑 – Ttee-dong-kab

Meaning: The Chinese Zodiac is based on a twelve-year cycle, and each year in that
cycle is related to a specific animal sign. Each animal has certain traits, and it is
believed that someone born in that year possesses the same traits. The term ttee-dong-
kab is used to describe two people who share the same animal sign. So, for example,
someone born in the year 2000 – the Chinese year of the dragon – would be ttee-dong-
kab with K-pop stars Nickhyun and G-Dragon, who were born in 1988.

내숭 – Nae-soong

Meaning: This term refers to someone who is fake, and is often used to describe a
female who acts shy or naïve around others – men, in particular – then reverts back to
her normal self when they’re not around.